Method of authenticating a polymer film

ABSTRACT

A method of authenticating a polymer film comprises measuring the thickness of a layer therein by white light interferometry and/or measuring the birefringence of a layer therein. The method, and devices to carry out the method, may be used in security applications, for example to test for counterfeit bank notes.

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/937,515, filed Nov. 11, 2010, which claims priority to InternationalPatent Application No. PCT/GB2009/050426, filed Apr. 28, 2009, whichclaims priority to United Kingdom patent Application No. 0807668.9,filed Apr. 28, 2008. The entirety of the aforementioned applications isincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a method of authenticating a polymerfilm.

BACKGROUND

Polymer films are increasingly being used as substrates in fields wheresecurity, authentication, identification and anti-counterfeiting areimportant. Polymer-based products in such areas include for example banknotes, important documents (e.g. ID materials such as for examplepassports and land title, share and educational certificates), films forpackaging high-value goods for anti-counterfeiting purposes, andsecurity cards.

Polymer-based secure materials have advantages in terms of security,functionality, durability, cost-effectiveness, cleanliness,processability and environmental considerations. Perhaps the mostnotable amongst these is the security advantage. Paper-based bank notes,for example, can be relatively easy to copy, and there is loweroccurrence of counterfeits in countries with polymer-based bank notescompared to paper-based bank notes. Polymer-based bank notes are alsolonger-lasting and less-easily torn.

Security materials based on polymer films are amenable to theincorporation of a variety of visible and hidden security features.Since the introduction of the first polymer bank notes approximately 25years ago, security features have included optically variable devices(OVD), opacification features, printed security features securitythreads, embossings, transparent windows and diffraction gratings. Asidefrom complicated security features there is also the more immediateadvantage that the high temperatures used in copying machines will oftencause melting or distortion of polymer base-material if counterfeitersattempt simply to copy secure materials (e.g. bank notes) using suchmachines.

A variety of polymers may be used as secure substrates. Amongst these ispolypropylene film. The three main methods of manufacturingpolypropylene film are the stenter method, the cast method and thebubble method.

In the cast and stenter methods, polymer chips are typically placed inan extruder and heated so that an extrudate is forced out of a slit dieonto a chilled roller to form a film (in the case of the cast method) ora thick polymer ribbon (in the case of the stenter method). In thestenter method, the thick polymer ribbon is then reheated and thenstretched lengthways (termed the “machine direction”) and widthways(termed the “transverse direction”) to form a film.

In the bubble method, the polymer is extruded not through a slit die butthrough an annular die, to form a relatively thick extrudate, in theform of a hollow cylinder or “drainpipe” shape through which air isblown. The annular die is at the top of an apparatus which is typicallythe equivalent of several storeys high (for example 40 to 50 metres).The extrudate moves downwards and is heated sequentially so that it isexpanded to form a bubble. The bubble is then slit into twohalf-bubbles, each of which may be used individually as “monoweb” films;or alternatively the two halves may be nipped and laminated together toform a double thickness film (or the bubble may be collapsed to form adouble thickness film). Typically there are three concentric annuli atthe die, so that the hollow cylinder is an extrudate of three layers.For example, there may be a core layer of polypropylene with aterpolymer skin layer on one side and another terpolymer skin layer onthe other side. In this case the monoweb would consist of three layerswith polypropylene in the middle and the double web would consist offive layers because the layer in the middle would be the same skin layer(terpolymer) of each half-bubble. Many other possible arrangements andcomponents are possible, for example in terms of the number of annuli,type of skin layer, type of core layer, etc.

Thus the bubble method results in a thin film (for example 10 to 100microns thick) by forming a bubble whereas the stenter method results ina thin film by stretching the material. The bubble method results inhomogeneously stretched film which is different to and for some purposesadvantageous over stenter film. Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP)film is made by the bubble process by Innovia Films Ltd., Wigton, UK. Inaddition to polypropylene, other polymers (e.g. LLDPE,polypropylene/butylene copolymers) may also be formed as thin filmsusing the bubble process.

It would be desirable to introduce features in a film used as asubstrate for security documents, identity documents or value documentsand articles which are not readily apparent to a potential unauthoriseduser or counterfeiter, and which even if identified cannot be readilyreproduced. The introduction of such security features may also beapplicable to other tokens or articles requiring verification ofauthentication, such as entrance documents and tickets.

WO 2007/072426 discloses a method of manufacturing a polarizationretardant film and to the use of such a film in security applications.

US 2006/0187452 discloses methods for determining the birefringencelevel of optical material such as polymeric film.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,737,298 discloses a technique for verifying theauthenticity of a particular breed of pirated optical discs using apolarimeter.

JP 2005254643 discloses a multilayer transparent film having a blueshift property in which film of two different refractive indices issequentially laminated.

US 2005/0109984 discloses a method for authenticating that a testpolymer is an authenticatable polymer using a thermochromic compound.

WO 2005/086099 discloses a currency genuineness detection system using aplurality of opto-electronic sensors with both transmission andreflectance properties.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-3 show components of apparatus for different methods ofobserving birefringence according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows an interferogram of a “genuine” film structure.

FIG. 5 shows an interferogram of a “counterfeit” film structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

From a first aspect the present invention provides a method ofauthenticating a polymer film comprising measuring the thickness of alayer therein by white light interferometry.

Preferably the measurement is made on a core layer of the film.

Transparent thin film materials reflect from both forward and rearsurfaces; light reflected from both of these surfaces will differ inpath lengths by a distance determined by the thickness of thetransparent layer and the angle of incidence of the light. The reflectedlight waves will therefore undergo phase changes related to the pathlength differences. A path length difference equal to [(2n+1)*λ/2 of abeam of light (where n=0, 1, 2, 3 . . . and λ=wavelength) will cause thereturning waves to be completely out of phase and will therefore resultin destructive interference, cancelling out any reflected light. A pathlength difference equal to nλ will cause the returning light waves to becompletely in phase with one another in a state known as constructiveinterference, whereby the returning light is twice as intense as before.Path lengths between these two conditions will cause intermediatedegrees of intensification or cancelling out of returning light.Interferometry is a series of techniques which utilise the abovephenomena to measure distances and thicknesses of materials.

Monochromatic Interferometry uses a single wavelength source to measurea single interfering response. This technique works well in applicationssuch as surface profilometry or in the measurement of thin optical filmswhere the thickness of the substrate is reasonably well known. However,its use as a method of security verification is limited by the smallamount of data returned (a single interference pattern) and thepossibility that the resulting patterns could be generated by quitedifferent thicknesses (the above formulae illustrate that the sameinterference can be generated by path lengths of λ2, 3λ/2, 5λ/2, 7λ/2 .. . ).

In contrast to monochromatic interferometry, white light interferometryis used in the present invention. The applicant has found that it ismost suitable for measuring multiple layered polymer films in securityapplications. White light interferometry measures the interferencepattern generated by a material across a wavelength range defined by therange and resolution of the spectrometer used. A film with aninterference path length of any given size will generate interferenceacross the spectral range under analysis; however, the degree ofinterference will be determined by how in or out of phase the reflectedwaves of a particular wavelength become. Therefore, the spectrumobtained in a white light interferometer will be composed of a number offringes of differing sizes, the largest of which will be for thosevalues of n that are simplest to resolve. The thickness of a layer canbe reliably determined via a Fourier transform of the data to give thefrequency of the fringes. A further advantage of white lightinterferometry is that the data collected is sufficient to allow for themeasurement of multiple interfering layers and the resolution of theindividual thickness of those layers with a single measurement.

From a second aspect the present invention provides a method ofauthenticating a polymer film comprising measuring the birefringence ofa core layer therein.

Birefringence, or double refraction, is a property of materials causedby differences in the refractive indices of the material for the twodifferent polarisations, s− and p−. The resulting effect manifestsitself as a rotation of the polarisation angle of light beingtransmitted through the material; the effect is initiated via aninterfacial interaction and propagated through the birefringentmaterial; the degree of birefringence observed is a product of theinitial interfacial interaction (i.e. the angle of incidence) and thesubsequent path length through the material. The birefringence can beobserved in a number of ways, as exemplified below.

The present invention allows a film to be securitized as is. Theparticular inherent characteristics of the film are observed in thepresent invention, and there is no need to add any further security oridentifying features. This identification allows authentication forsecurity purposes and also allows the film's origin to be determined.

The films referred to herein are generally sheet-form materials, and maybe provided as individual sheets, or as a web material which maysubsequently be processed (by die cutting for example) to provide sheetor article form materials. When referring to “film” in thisspecification it is intended, unless expressly provided otherwise, toinclude films in sheet, article or in web form. The film may comprise apolyolefin film, for example polyethylene, polypropylene, mixturesthereof, and/or other known polyolefins. The polymeric film can be madeby any process known in the art, including, but not limited to, castsheet, cast film, or blown film. The film or sheet may be of mono layeror of multi-layer construction. Preferably the film or sheet is ofmulti-layer construction with at least one core layer therein. In thecase of a mono layer construction the mono-layer is the core layer. Inthe event that multiple core layers are provided, the measurement of thethickness of a core layer by white light interferometry, or themeasurement of the birefringence of a core layer, may be made on justone and/or on more than one of the core layers. The film may beoptionally coated, e.g. with opacifer(s). This invention may beparticularly applicable to films comprising cavitated or non-cavitatedpolypropylene films, with a polypropylene core and skin layers with athickness substantially below that of the core layer and formed forexample from co-polymers of ethylene and propylene or terpolymers ofpropylene, ethylene and butylene. The film may comprise a biaxiallyorientated polypropylene (BOPP) film, which may be prepared as balancedfilms using substantially equal machine direction and transversedirection stretch ratios, or can be unbalanced, where the film issignificantly more orientated in one direction (MD or TD). Sequentialstretching can be used, in which heated rollers effect stretching of thefilm in the machine direction and a stenter oven is thereafter used toeffect stretching in the transverse direction. Alternatively,simultaneous stretching, for example, using the so-called bubbleprocess, or simultaneous draw stenter stretching may be used.

The films used in accordance with the present invention can be of avariety of thicknesses according to the application requirements. Forexample they can be from about 5 to about 240 μm thick, preferably fromabout 10 to about 120 μm thick, more preferably from about 12 to about100 μm thick, and most preferably from about 14 to about 80 μm thick.Plural layers of films in accordance with the invention may be laminatedtogether to form relatively thick substrates for use as, for example,security cards and the like. The thickness of such laminated structuresmay be considerably higher than the preferred maximum thickness of theunlaminated film, for example 250 μm or even more.

The film may comprise one or more additive materials. Additives maycomprise: dyes; pigments, colorants; metallised and/or pseudo metallisedcoatings (e.g. aluminium); lubricants, anti-oxidants, surface-activeagents, stiffening aids, gloss-improvers, prodegradants, UV attenuatingmaterials (e.g. UV light stabilisers); sealability additives;tackifiers, anti-blocking agents, additives to improve ink adhesionand/or printability, cross-linking agents (such as melamine formaldehyderesin); adhesive layer (e.g. a pressure sensitive adhesive); and/or anadhesive release layer (e.g. for use as the backing material in the peelplate method for making labels). Further additives comprise those toreduce coefficient of friction (COF) such as a terpolymer.

Further additives comprise conventional inert particulate additives,preferably having an average particle size of from about 0.2 μm to about4.5 μm, more preferably from about 0.7 μm to about 3.0 μm. Decreasingthe particle size improves the gloss of the film. The amount ofadditive, preferably spherical, incorporated into the or each layer isdesirably in excess of about 0.05%, preferably from about 0.1% to about0.5%, for example, about 0.15%, by weight. Suitable inert particulateadditives may comprise an inorganic or an organic additive, or a mixtureof two or more such additives.

Suitable particulate inorganic additives include inorganic fillers suchas talc, and particularly metal or metalloid oxides, such as alumina andsilica. Solid or hollow, glass or ceramic micro-beads or micro-spheresmay also be employed. A suitable organic additive comprises particles,preferably spherical, of an acrylic and/or methacrylic resin comprisinga polymer or copolymer of acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid. Suchresins may be cross-linked, for example by the inclusion therein of across-linking agent, such as a methylated melamine formaldehyde resin.Promotion of cross-linking may be assisted by the provision ofappropriate functional groupings, such as hydroxy, carboxy and amidogroupings, in the acrylic and/or methacrylic polymer.

Clarifying agents may be particularly preferred additives for reducingthe haze level of an authenticatable film and thereby increasing thesignal strength of the film when subjected to white lightinterferometry, for example. Low haze films may allow the possibility ofusing detuned white light interferometers to produce a measurable signalwith smaller light sources, narrower wavelength ranges (such as emittedby white light LEDs for example) shorter integration times and/or lessdemanding optical components and sensors.

Accordingly, the invention specifically contemplates the use of adetuned light emitting device and/or a white light LED source ininterferometry measurement of a film comprising one or more clarifyingagents.

Suitable clarifying agents may include diesteric salts of phosphoricacid, such as sodium2,2′-methylenebis(4,6,-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphate; salts of mono- orpoly-carboxylic acids, such as sodium benzoate and aluminumt-butylbenzoate; sorbitol derivatives such as dibenzylidenesorbitol orits C₁-C₈-alkyl-substituted derivatives, such as methyl-, ethyl- ordimethyl-dibenzylidenesorbitol; inorganic additives such as silica,kaolin or talc; or mixtures of two or more thereof. Other suitableclarifying agents, or combinations thereof will be known to the skilledaddressee, or with reference to for example the Plastic AdditivesHandbook, 5th ed.; Zweifel, H., Ed.; Hanser Publ: Munich, 2001.

Some or all of the desired additives listed above may be added togetheras a composition to coat the sheet of the present invention and/or forma new layer which may itself be coated (i.e. form one of the innerlayers of a final multi-layered sheet) and/or may form the outer orsurface layer of the sheet. Alternatively some or all of the precedingadditives may be added separately and/or incorporated directly into thebulk of the sheet optionally during and/or prior to the sheet formation(e.g. incorporated as part of the original polymer composition by anysuitable means for example compounding, blending and/or injection) andthus may or may not form layers or coatings as such.

Such additives may be added to the polymer resin before the film ismade, or may be applied to the made film as a coating or other layer. Ifthe additive is added to the resin, the mixing of the additives into theresin is done by mixing it into molten polymer by commonly usedtechniques such as roll-milling, mixing in a Banbury type mixer, ormixing in an extruder barrel and the like. The mixing time can beshortened by mixing the additives with unheated polymer particles so asto achieve substantially even distribution of the agent in the mass ofpolymer, thereby reducing the amount of time needed for intensive mixingat molten temperature. The most preferred method is to compound theadditives with resin in a twin-screw extruder to form concentrates whichare then blended with the resins of the film structure immediately priorto extrusion.

Formation of a film of the invention (optionally oriented and optionallyheat-set as described herein) which comprises one or more additionallayers and/or coatings is conveniently effected by any of the laminatingor coating techniques well known to those skilled in the art.

For example a layer or coating can be applied to another base layer by acoextrusion technique in which the polymeric components of each of thelayers are coextruded into intimate contact while each is still molten.Preferably, the coextrusion is effected from a multi-channel annular diesuch that the molten polymeric components constituting the respectiveindividual layers of the multi-layer film merge at their boundarieswithin the die to form a single composite structure which is thenextruded from a common die orifice in the form of a tubular extrudate.

A film of the invention may also be coated with one or more of theadditives described herein using conventional coating techniques from asolution or dispersion of the additive in a suitable solvent ordispersant. An aqueous latex, (for example prepared by polymerisingpolymer precursors of a polymeric additive) in an aqueous emulsion inthe presence of an appropriate emulsifying agent is a preferred mediumfrom which a polymeric additive or coating may be applied.

Coatings and/or layers may be applied to either or both surfaces of thesheet. The or each coating and/or layer may be applied sequentially,simultaneously and/or subsequently to any or all other coatings and/orlayers. If a gas-barrier coating of the present invention is applied toonly one side of the sheet (which is preferred) other coatings and/orlayers may be applied either to the same side of the sheet and/or on thereverse (other) side of the sheet.

Additionally or alternatively further layers can be provided in the filmby coextrusion through a multiple-annuli die, to produce for exampletwo, three, four or more layers in the coextrudate exiting the die.

A coating composition may be applied to the treated surface of sheet(such as the polymer film) in any suitable manner such as by gravureprinting, roll coating, rod coating, dipping, spraying and/or using acoating bar. Solvents, diluents and adjuvants may also be used in theseprocesses as desired. The excess liquid (e.g. aqueous solution) can beremoved by any suitable means such as squeeze rolls, doctor knivesand/or air knives. The coating composition will ordinarily be applied insuch an amount that there will be deposited following drying, a smooth,evenly distributed layer having a thickness of from about 0.02 to about10 μm, preferably from about 1 to about 5 μm. In general, the thicknessof the applied coating is such that it is sufficient to impart thedesired characteristics to the substrate sheet. Once applied to thesheet a coating may be subsequently dried by hot air, radiant heat or byany other suitable means to provide a sheet of the present inventionwith the properties desired.

It would also be possible to use combinations of more than one of theabove methods of applying additives and/or components thereof to a film.For example one or more additives may be incorporated into the resinprior to making the film and the one or more other additives may becoated onto the film surface.

In a multi-layer film in accordance with the invention having at least asubstrate layer and a skin layer, the skin layer is preferably inkprintable. The skin layer has a thickness of from about 0.05 μm to about2 μm, preferably from about 0.1 μm to about 1.5 μm, more preferably fromabout 0.2 μm to about 1.25 μm, most preferably from about 0.3 μm toabout 0.9 μm.

The film may have at least one region thereon having reduced opacitycompared to the surrounding film. The opacity of the film may be atleast partially provided by the presence in the film of voided (orcavitated) regions. Such voided regions may for example be created byproviding in the film at least one voiding agent. The production ofvoided films is of course well known, and any suitable voiding agent maybe used here. Voiding agents are generally particulate materials and maybe selected from organic, inorganic or polymeric materials. U.S. Pat.No. 4,377,616 of Mobil Oil Corporation describes a number of these.Voiding agents may be substantially spherical particulate in nature, ormay have a higher aspect ratio. For example, the voiding agentsdescribed in WO-A-03/033574 may be used.

The opacity of the film may be supplemented with further materials whichare not voiding agents, but are opacifying agents. Inorganic fillerssuch as TiO₂ may be mentioned in this connection.

The invention is particularly useful where the film is a film made bythe bubble process. The bubble process results in films which havebalanced orientation, well-defined and uniform thicknesses and otherproperties (high tensile strength, low elongation, high gloss andclarity, good puncture and flex-crack resistance, resistance to oils andgreases, good water-impermeability) which define a “signature” of thefilm which indicate that it has been prepared by the bubble process.

Previous attempts to securitize film have included the incorporation ofone or more taggants into the film in low concentrations, in an attemptto identify the film by detecting a stimulation response. However, theincorporation of taggants adds cost and complexity, and can interferewith other additives. The present invention allows the assessment andanalysis of the information which is inherently and already written intothe structure of the film. It is preferable that the identification ofthe present invention includes identification of a core layer ratherthan a surface layer, thereby enhancing security by authenticating alayer which is enveloped within the film to the extent that tamperingwith or manipulation of such layer would be very burdensome anddifficult.

In order to differentiate between films (e.g. BOPP films and others) theoverall thickness of the film, as well as the thickness of individuallayers, for example a laminating layer, may be measured. This allowsdetermination of particular characteristics which are dependent onparticular processes, for example a particular bubble process.Additionally, or alternatively, the unique birefringent signature of thefilm may be assessed and used to determine whether the film was made bya particular process and accordingly whether it is, for example, agenuine bank note or counterfeit. Birefringence depends on theanisotropy of the material and films made by bubble process havedifferent anisotropies and hence different birefringent properties tofilms made by other processes. Furthermore the precise conditions usedin the bubble process will affect the birefringent signature.

Thus the present invention recognises that, rather than needing to addsecurity or identification features, the inherent properties of filmsmade by particular processes, such as the bubble process, are unique andact as a signature.

The authentication processes of the present application, and the devicesused for such processes, are generally applicable to a range of polymerfilm materials, and can be tailored to specific substrates andthicknesses by criteria known in the art. As regards authentication bythickness measurement using white light interferometry, a spectrometer'swavelength range is determined by the line spacing of the spectrometergrating, the length of the detector array and the focal length of thespectrometer optics. The thickness range that can be measured isrelative to the size of the spectral range used. In the presentinvention it is preferred to measure thicknesses of between 0.5 and 100μm, which corresponds to a spectral range of around 500-1000 nm.Depending on the kind of device used, the desirability of a largespectral range can be balanced against other factors, particularly insmall devices. The factors that ideally require balancing in a smalldevice include the spectral range, the spectral resolution and the slitwidth; these factors determine the thickness range possible, the abilityto resolve thin layers and the time taken to obtain a response. In asmall device, a large spectral range can be offset by the use ofnarrower slits so as to obtain satisfactory resolution, sufficientsensitivity and acceptable measuring times. According to the invention,devices may be provided which are specific for authentication of aparticular defined thickness.

The detection time of the spectrometer is determined by the minimumamount of time needed to saturate the detector array in thespectrometer. Consequently, the brighter the light, the quicker thesaturation. However, the desirability of quick detection times must bebalanced by the need to avoid heat damage to the film beingauthenticated. The use of a pulsed light source, such as a short pulsedxenon white flash lamp can mitigate this problem.

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention involves the use of apulsed light source in measurement.

From a further aspect the present invention provides a detection unitwhich is designed to carry out the method of the present invention. Sucha detection unit is tailored to recognise the characteristics of thespecific signature of a secure polymer-based material. The detectionunit may be used to check the authenticity of the materials; for examplein banks, ATMs or note readers used by cashiers.

From a further aspect the present invention provides the use ofinterferometry and/or birefringence measurement in determining theauthenticity of a polymer film-based secure item.

Interferometry relies on optical interference between rays which arereflected from the various surfaces within a film. The interferencegives a measure of the optical path length between the surfaces andtherefore the film (or layer) thickness. The homogeneity of theboundaries between the layers also affects the measurement. Thereflection occurs where the layers have different refractive indices.

The interferometry used in the present invention is white lightinterferometry because monochromatic interferometry is not sufficientlydistinguishing.

Typically a narrow light beam is directed into the material to bemeasured, and the detector detects the light reflected from theboundaries between the layers. A series of peaks are obtained in aninterferogram, showing the location of the corresponding layers. Thus itis possible quickly to inspect multilayer films and webs, withoutneeding to contact or destructively analyse the materials.

The orientation in polymers not only affects properties (mechanical,optical, barrier, and others) but also affects the birefringence due toanisotropy in the refractive indices. Birefringence is the separation oflight into two rays caused by such anisotropy and is clearly a functionof the process of preparation of the film. For example, BOPP filmsproduced by the bubble process have a particular anisotropic characterdue to the uniform stretching.

The film is preferably a collapsed bubble film, i.e. contains twohalf-bubbles laminated together. The lamination layer is preferably aterpolymer.

Some aspects of the invention will now be described by way of example innon-limiting detail by reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 which show componentsof apparatus for different methods of observing birefringence accordingto the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 1, a first method of observing birefringence isvia the use of crossed polarisers. Linear polarisers allow one type ofeither s− or p− polarised light to pass through them, so that when asecond linear polariser is presented and twisted 90° relative to thefirst, the remaining light made from a single polarised type is filteredout; this technique is referred to as using cross polarisers.Birefringent materials effectively rotate the axis of polarisation andso, when placed between two crossed polarisers will affect how muchlight is permitted to pass through them. Rotating the birefringentmaterial whilst between the crossed polarisers causes the intensity oflight to vary as the angles of birefringence alters. Thin polymer filmsoperate on the first order of birefringence and will tend to rotatelight between 0 and 90°; a fully birefringent material will vary from noenhancement in transmission between the polarisers to eliminating theeffect of the first polariser by rotating light to pass through thesecond. This behaviour forms the basis of one method of measuring thebirefringence of the films; the sample is typically placed between twomotorised cross polarising filters which then rotate through 360° whilstmaintaining the same rotationary configuration with respect to oneanother, light passes from a source through the filter/sample/filter andits intensity is measured using a photodiode. The intensity measuredwill follow two 180° cycles the maximum and minimum values of which willbe related to the birefringence of that film.

With reference to FIG. 2, a second method for the measurement ofbirefringence is to use two circular-shaped linear polarising filtersthat are composed of sectors of material, each having its ownpolarisation angle which is related to the angular position of thesector on the circular optic. If two of these optics are differentiatedby their s− and p− orientations, then the combination of both will actas cross polarisers for each sector. A single light source can be usedto illuminate a sample placed between two such polarisers and thetransmitted light from each sector can be fed into an optical fibrewhich in turn has the intensity transmitted measured using a photodiode.In this way, the birefringent behaviour of the film can be measured in asingle measurement without rotating the polarisers—the resolution ofsuch a measurement will depend on the angular size of each of thesectors—for example sectors as large as 20° would give eighteenmeasurements and would be more than sufficient for the finding of themaximal and the minimal transmissivities.

With reference to FIG. 3, a third method for the measurement of thebirefringence is the use of a quartz wedge. In this instance, thebirefringent material is placed between a polarising filter and acalibrated quartz wedge whilst light is shone through towards aninspection system that measures the positions of fringes on the wedge.

To differentiate between the designated genuine film and others, twomethods have been employed in combination that allow the user toeliminate other types of film, i.e. designated counterfeit films:

1. White light Interferometry: measuring the interference patterngenerated by layers of a substrate across the visible spectrum suppliesthe user with the thickness of the layers within a substrate, knowledgeof these layers eliminates thinner films, films that have been laminatedtogether (post-process lamination produces much thicker laminatinglayers) and films of the correct thickness with the wrong layer-by-layercomposition. This eliminates cast films (due to thicknesses) and limitsseverely the choice of BOPP films that the counterfeiter could use.

2. Birefringence: BOPP film made by the stenter process is oriented morein the transverse direction than the machine direction, and so isconsiderably more birefringent than BOPP films made by the double bubbleprocess. Birefringence can be controlled precisely using the doublebubble process and so can provide a unique signature that can eliminateyet more films.

The combination of both tests may also eliminate non-PP films due tothickness, orientation, or co-extrusion limitations.

A protocol was designed in which varying levels of security wereassigned (Level 1 being the least secure; Level 6 being the most secure)to methods of determining whether a material contains a film ofapproximately x micron thickness prepared by collapsing a bubble, eachhalf of which is approximately x/2 microns thick and contains BOPP ascore layer and terpolymer as skin layers (the two internal skin layersthen resulting in a lamination layer)

-   -   Level 1: differentiating between a real and a false product        based on thickness differences.    -   Level 2: differentiating between birefringent and        non-birefringent film (i.e. stenter or not).    -   Level 3: differentiating between film structures (i.e. is this        film made from two laminated halves of x/2 micron thickness or        not).    -   Level 4: differentiating between non-birefringent non-bubble        films made from two laminated x/2 μm halves and a bubble film.    -   Level 5: differentiating between bubble films that have been        subjected to collapsed bubble lamination, and ones that have        been laminated afterwards on a separate process—there will be        differences in thickness and birefringence).    -   Level 6: differentiating between x micron collapsed bubble films        produced by one particular bubble process as opposed to a        different bubble process.

Detection to any level indicates success—level 1 eliminates 99% ofavailable commercial films; level 2 detection removes the most commonfilms which are similar to bubble-prepared BOPP. Level 4 was regarded asan acceptable level of success; however, at present the detectoroperates at level 5 and so is regarded as safe from anything apart froman unrealistically determined attempt (i.e. setting up a double bubbleprocess—even then, it might not fool the detector).

The above scale does not suggest that counterfeiting the film isimpossible—there are non-standard and as yet unknown methods ofachieving a similarly structured film. However, to counterfeit the filmwould take a considerable amount of expertise on the part of thecounterfeiter.

Actual counterfeit film is more likely to be bought rather than made bythe counterfeiter. There are several sources that can be broken intothree main groupings:

1. Cast or blown films—cast films are made by extruding polymer througha die onto a chilled roller. Blown films are made by extruding a polymerthrough a circular die and inflating a bubble in the semi-molten state.Cast films & blown films are typically either non or slightly orientedand so have inferior dimensional stability (i.e. they can easily bestretched), poorer optics and thickness control.

2. Mono oriented films—mono oriented films are made by extruding througha die and stretching in the machine direction. Mono oriented films arehighly oriented, they have poorer optics and poor transverse directiondimensional stability.

3. Biaxially oriented films—biaxially oriented films are commerciallyavailable from Innovia Films Limited and from a number of othersuppliers. Commercial grades of BOPP from many suppliers are generallymade by the stenter process where PP is extruded through a slot die ontoa chill roller, stretched in the machine direction over heated rollersand stretched in the transverse direction in a tenter frame. These filmsare anisotropic in nature unlike BOPP made by the double bubble process,which is stretch oriented evenly in all directions. Perhaps the greatestcounterfeiting threat lies in the lamination together of thinner filmsto imitate thicker films, which is why the Example which follows wasselected, to demonstrate the capability of the inventive method todistinguish between these scenarios.

EXAMPLES 1. 5 Layer (Genuine) Film

A five layer film was made using the so-called double bubble process.Molten polymer from three extruders (a large core and two smaller skinextruders) was extruded through an annular die to produce a 1-2 mm thicktube of polypropylene. This tube was then reheated and simultaneouslystretched in the transverse and machine directions by a combination ofpulling the film in the machine direction and blowing it into a bubbleto stretch in the transverse direction. The resulting film had beenstretched by 8×8 to produce film of between 20 and 50 μm in thickness.The bubble can either be cut and pulled into two halves (to produce athree layer film) or it can be collapsed and laminated together toproduce thick, five layered film of between 50 and 100 μm in thickness.In this Example, a 5 layer film was prepared, and the film was thenannealed via reheating and rolled up into reels. The five layersconsisted of two outer skin layers (<0.5 μm), two main core areas (20-55μm) and a single laminating layer holding the two core layers together(<1 μm). From this sample the overall thickness, the thickness of eachlayer and the birefringence were obtained. The interferogram of theresulting film structure (designated “genuine”) is shown in FIG. 4.

2. 5 Layer (Counterfeit) Film

A hypothetical counterfeit film was manufactured from the designatedgenuine film by laminating together two webs of the “genuine” film. Theinterferogram of the resulting film structure (designated “counterfeit”)is shown in FIG. 5.

1. A method of authenticating a polymer film comprising measuring thebirefringence of a layer therein.
 2. The method according to claim 1,wherein the film is a multi-layer film.
 3. The method according to claim2, wherein birefringence measurement is made on a core layer of thefilm.
 4. The method according to claim 1, additionally comprisingmeasuring the thickness of a layer therein by white lightinterferometry.
 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein themeasurement of thickness by white light interferometry is made on a corelayer of the film.
 6. The method according to claim 1, whereinmeasurement is carried out on more than one layer.
 7. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the measurement is carried out using apulsed light source.
 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein themeasurement is carried out using a detuned light source.
 9. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the measurement is carried out using anLED light source.
 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the filmcomprises at least one clarifying agent.
 11. The method according toclaim 1, wherein the film is prepared by a bubble process.
 12. Themethod according to claim 1, wherein the film comprises a layer ofbiaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP).
 13. The A method according toclaim 1, wherein the film comprises a monoweb of three or more polymericlayers.
 14. The A method according to claim 1, wherein the filmcomprises a double web of five or more polymeric layers.
 15. The Amethod according to claim 1, wherein the method differentiates betweenfilms made by a bubble process and films made by a different process.16. A method of authenticating an object, comprising a polymer film,wherein authentication is carried out by authenticating the polymer filmaccording to claim
 1. 17. The method according to claim 16, wherein theobject is: a bank note; a governmental document; a non-governmentaldocument; an identity document; a passport; a security thread; anOptical Variable Device (OVD); or a wrapper of or an attachment to anitem.
 18. A method of identifying an authentic film or object on thebasis of the film or object meeting a specified pre-defined criterion ofbirefringence, utilizing the method according to claim
 1. 19. A methodof identifying a non-authentic or counterfeit film or object on thebasis of the film or object not meeting a specified pre-definedcriterion of birefringence, utilizing the method according to claim 1.20. A detection unit adapted to carry out the method of claim 1,comprising a birefringence detector.
 21. A detection unit adapted tocarry out the method of claim 4, comprising a white lightinterferometer.
 22. The method according to claim 4, wherein measurementis carried out on more than one layer.
 23. The method according to claim4, wherein the measurement is carried out using a pulsed light source.24. The method according to claim 4, wherein the measurement is carriedout using a detuned light source.
 25. The method according to claim 4,wherein the measurement is carried out using an LED light source. 26.The method according to claim 4, wherein the film comprises at least oneclarifying agent.
 27. The method according to claim 4, wherein the filmis prepared by a bubble process.
 28. The method according to claim 4,wherein the film comprises a layer of biaxially oriented polypropylene(BOPP).
 29. The method according to claim 4, wherein the film comprisesa monoweb of three or more polymeric layers.
 30. The method according toclaim 4, wherein the film comprises a double web of five or morepolymeric layers.
 31. The method according to claim 4, wherein themethod differentiates between films made by a bubble process and filmsmade by a different process.